Abstract

Background

Evidence suggests that folate deficiency may be causatively linked to depressive symptoms.
However, little is known on the status of use of folic acid and vitamin supplements
among people with mental disorders. This study examined the prevalence and the likelihood
of use of folic acid or vitamin supplements among adults with depression and anxiety
in comparison to those without these conditions.

Results

Overall, women were more likely than men to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day
(50.2% versus 38.7%, P < 0.001) and vitamin supplements (62.5% versus 49.8%, P < 0.001).
After multivariate adjustment, men with ever diagnosed depression or anxiety were
42% and 83%, respectively, more likely to take folic acid supplements < 1 time/day;
44% and 39%, respectively, more likely to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day;
and 40% and 46%, respectively, more likely to take vitamin supplements compared to
men without these conditions (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Women with ever diagnosed
depression were 13% more likely to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day and 15%
more likely to take vitamin supplements than women without this condition (P < 0.05
for both comparisons). Use of folic acid and vitamin supplements did not differ significantly
by elevated depressive symptoms in either sex.

Conclusion

The prevalence and the likelihood of taking folic acid and vitamin supplements varied
substantially by a history of diagnosed depression among both men and women and by
a history of diagnosed anxiety among men, but not by presence of elevated depressive
symptoms in either sex.